Following an extended period of public absence during the recent military conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader emerged to address his nation and the international community. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared significantly more aged and spoke with evident difficulty, reflecting the strain of the prolonged crisis.
The Iranian leader’s speech focused on disputing American characterizations of the nuclear strikes’ effectiveness while acknowledging substantial damage. UN nuclear inspectors confirmed that the attacks had caused considerable harm to Iran’s atomic infrastructure, though they stopped short of declaring the program completely destroyed.
Khamenei emphasized Iran’s successful strike against American forces in Qatar as demonstration of his country’s ability to retaliate against US aggression. He described this action as a “slap” to American prestige and warned that similar operations could be repeated if the United States continues its hostile stance.
The implementation of the ceasefire has provided both countries with breathing room while maintaining their confrontational positions. Iran has begun normalizing operations, including partial airspace reopening and restoration of commercial activities, while signaling its intention to continue nuclear development despite international pressure.